In spite of its remote location in the
Northwest Hawaiian Islands, Midway Atoll serves as the “poster child” for
plastic pollution and the oceanic gyres that is concentrates in. As the atoll’s
primary residents, and with feeding areas alongside these gyres, the Laysan and
Black-footed albatross are seemingly the most impacted.These seabirds are known to ingest some of
the highest amounts of plastic of any seabird species. Adult albatross consume
the plastic trash when foraging out at sea, and unknowingly pass it on to their
own developing chicks.

The chicks are not able to regurgitate objects until
later in their lifecycle, so many of them basically become repositories of
plastic waste, and a “test tube” for the impact our increasing dependence on
single use – “disposable plastic” may be having on wildlife and ultimately us. The breeding albatross at the far northwest of the Hawaiian Island chain (Kure and Midway Atolls) consume some of the highest amounts of plastic relative to the other breeding sites.

To date we do not have a full understanding of
what impacts this plastic may be having on the overall albatross populations in
the North Pacific. However, most agree that on seeing, either through graphic
photos of dead chicks with chest cavities full of plastic, or with firsthand experience through visits to their breeding grounds, any amount of plastic
pollution ending up in these majestic birds and their vulnerable chicks is
something we as a community, should take responsibility for, regardless of
impacts. Just as 100% of the albatross chicks on Midway & Kure Atoll have
plastic in them, 100% of visitors who depart these grand wildlife sanctuaries, leave
wanting to do more to help remedy this terrible problem.

Each adoption directly aids albatross population resiliency by
supporting both habitat restoration programs as well as monitoring
efforts on their key breeding colonies in the Northwest Hawaiian
Islands. The work on the ground is being done by our partners, the Friends
of Midway Atoll and the Kure Atoll Conservancy.
With a generous initial pledge from Spiritual Revolution Yoga (who are
producing a PVC-free “Soaring
Albatross” yoga mat that directly supports our AlbatrossAdoption campaign) we are ready to start creating an army of Albatross
Ambassadors.

By adopting an albatross you will help to make a difference:

By supporting the efforts to counteract the potential impacts of plastic pollution

You will receive monthly updates over the
course of the breeding season (Nov. - July)

In May of each adoption year plastic from the breeding colonies in the North Pacific will be sent to you so you can help educate others
about the problem.

Your will help be part of a global movement to advocate for cleaner oceans.